Head coach Graham Potter has insisted that Chelsea are trending in the right direction despite being held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

Sitting down in ninth position in the Premier League standings, the Blues required all three points to catapult themselves back into contention for European qualification.

For large periods of the first half, Chelsea showcased their ability, taking the lead with a wonderfully-crafted goal as Joao Felix netted a volley from close range.

However, West Ham got back on level terms before the half-hour mark, former Chelsea man Emerson Palmieri converting at the back post after the visitors had failed to deal with the initial cross into the box.

The closing stages of the contest saw West Ham have a goal disallowed for offside with Declan Rice being in an offside position before Tomas Soucek scored from inside the six-yard box.

Meanwhile, Chelsea felt that they should have had a penalty soon afterwards, Soucek handling the ball to block a Conor Gallagher shot, but it was deemed that the Czech Republic international's hand was outstretched for balance rather than trying to stop the Chelsea midfielder's goalbound effort.

Despite the frustration of not converting a lead into three points and seeing a penalty decision go against them, Potter was pleased with Chelsea's performance, feeling that they started to 'show their potential'.

Speaking to Match of the Day, Potter said: "We played well, had good control, scored and looked to add to the goal.

"It was a generally positive performance in the first half. We were disappointed in the bit that we didn't that we conceded which obviously make it more difficult.

"The second half was more of a reflection of where we are in terms of integrating new players and getting players up to speed in the Premier League.

"I think you saw the potential in the first half. You can't control what people say from the outside, you see it how it is and carry on working. They are a good group and we are excited with the team and the potential but it is still a work in progress."

Although Chelsea have now gone four Premier League fixtures without defeat, they will remain in ninth until at least Monday evening, but Aston Villa can move level on points with the West Londoners if they defeat Manchester City on Sunday. body check tags ::